Only seven rookies in WNBA history have ever snagged an All-WNBA First Team spot. But it’s 2024, and Caitlin Clark is knocking on that door so loudly, it’s practically flying off its hinges. If you’ve been following the Indiana Fever (and let’s be real, if you haven’t, you’re probably missing out on the WNBA revolution), you’ll know that Clark has been nothing short of electrifying.
Let’s not dance around the fact: the competition for the First Team is stiffer than a morning stretch after a double-overtime game. With voting based on overall talent—forget positions—Clark’s only mission is to outshine every player not named A’ja Wilson. Easy, right? Maybe not, but don’t bet against the rookie who’s made breaking records her favorite hobby.
Clark vs. The Goliaths of the League
A’ja Wilson? Yeah, she’s sitting comfy in the No. 1 spot for First Team, holding court like a WNBA queen. That leaves four spots up for grabs, and Clark’s got her eyes set on one of them. But standing in her way are some heavy hitters: Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and Sabrina Ionescu—basically the WNBA’s version of The Avengers.
Still, Clark’s résumé is so packed, it might need an extra page. Her 19.2 points per game? Fourth best of this group. Her assists? Oh, she just obliterated the single-game record with 19 dimes and went on to shatter the season total with 329 assists. You know, casual rookie stuff.
Now, let’s talk about shooting because Caitlin Clark isn’t just scoring—she’s doing it from distances so absurd that it’s as if she’s trying to hit shots from a different zip code. 227 attempts from beyond 25 feet? Are you kidding me? She’s brought the logo 3 to the WNBA, and teams are still sending search parties to figure out how to stop it. Spoiler: they haven’t. And that efficiency? Second only to Wilson herself.
But What About the Team?
Sure, the Fever didn’t finish as high as, say, Ionescu’s Liberty or Thomas’ Sun, but hellooo—Clark dragged Indiana to its first playoff appearance since 2016. This team was 13-27 last year, and now they’re a playoff threat with a shiny 20-20 record. That’s more than just a glow-up; that’s a full-blown renaissance, and Clark is wearing the crown.
And while Ionescu and Thomas had their moments of brilliance, it’s Clark who’s been clutch when it counts. Post-Olympic break, while the others were catching their breath, Clark was out there making playoff seeding races look like child’s play.
Clark’s Impact Off the Court? Phenomenal.
As if her on-court heroics weren’t enough, Clark’s rookie season has made waves across the league. Ticket sales? Through the roof. TV ratings? Let’s just say people who once couldn’t spell WNBA are now tuning in religiously. The Caitlin Clark effect is real, and it’s brought the WNBA into the mainstream in a way that’s got NBA execs nervously glancing over their shoulders.
But Wait, She’s Not Perfect…
Let’s get one thing straight: nobody’s saying Clark is without flaws. She’s also the queen of turnovers, breaking a few records she probably wishes would stay in the closet. And defense? Well, let’s just say that’s still a work in progress. But even with those hiccups, Clark’s rookie season is at least fourth-best among this stacked group of stars. Not too shabby for a 22-year-old.
Bottom line? Caitlin Clark should already be writing her acceptance speech for the All-WNBA First Team. The rookie label? That’s just a formality. In reality, she’s been playing like a seasoned vet all year long, and this is just the beginning. Get used to it—the Caitlin Clark show isn’t ending anytime soon.